†††† One of the most
modernly equipped undertaking establishments of northern California is that
conducted by the firm of Kunz & Bills at Yreka. F. W. Bills, partner in
this business, is a descendant of one of the real pioneer families of
California, and occupies a most substantial place in the business, civic and
social life of this community. He was born is Siskiyou county, California,
January 20, 1877, a son of Richard and Orpha L.
(Hall) Bills, the father having been a native of New York state, and the mother
of Pennsylvania. Richard Bills came to Siskiyou county
from the east in 1859, avoiding the dangerous and fatiguing trip across the
plains by using the water route and crossing the isthmus of Panama. He was a
farmer by occupation, and he settled in Scott valley, where he and his wife
passed their lives. Four children were born to them who grew to maturity.

†††† F. W. Bills was
educated in the common schools of Scott valley, and later successfully passed a
teacherís examination and taught for six years in his home district. After his
fatherís demise he cultivated the old home farm for a number of years, then in 1922 went to San Francisco, where he studied the
science of undertaking under a well known mortician of that city. He
subsequently to the required state examination, secured a license, and
established the undertaking firm of Kunz & Bills at Yreka in 1923. The firm
has been successful from the start, and the equipment now used is the most
advanced type, including a Studebaker limousine hearse of the latest model. A
chapel is maintained for funeral services.

†††† Mr. Bills was
married in 1917 to Miss Carrie Hart, whose parents were early pioneers on Butte
creek, California. Mr. Bills is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order
of Eagles, and the Grange at Yreka, and also belongs to the Native Sons of the
Golden West. His favorite sport is hunting.